Gender-related differences in the morphology of the lacrimal gland

Previous research has demonstrated that distinct, gender-related differences exist in the morphology of the rat lacrimal gland. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether this sexual dimorphism is unique to the rat, or extends as well to other species. Lacrimal glands were collected from adult male and female rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits and humans (biopsies). Tissues were processed for light microscopy and examined with a Zeiss Videoplan II image analysis system. For morphometric determinations, we measured the area of approximately 50 glandular acini per animal for a total count of greater than 244 acini per gender per species. Our results demonstrated that significant gender-related differences exist in lacrimal glands of rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, and humans. In all species analyzed, acinar area in lacrimal glands of males was larger than that of females. These findings suggest that gender differences in lacrimal gland morphology may be a general phenomenon in a variety of species.